Republic of Ireland winger James McClean, who is originally from the Creggan area of Derry

The tweet James McClean sent

Controversial footballer James McClean has become embroiled in another political furore after tweeting his views on the Derry/Londonderry debate.

McClean, who was warned by his club earlier this week to show respect for the English flag and British national anthem, posted a lunchtime tweet yesterday that stated: "Training finished, gym finished, Derry's getting its rightful name back, have a great day folks", followed by a smiley face.

Followers who had been expecting the 26-year-old to respond to news that a rival footballer received a record ban for abusing him verbally with sectarian remarks, instead got a post - which has been retweeted hundreds of times - about the proposal by Derry and Strabane Council to officially rename the Maiden City as Derry.

DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the player was putting his future with West Bromwich Albion in "serious jeopardy", but Sinn Fein's Barry McElduff defended the Republic of Ireland winger.

"He has had a litany of political issues and a series of managers who have had words with him," Mr Campbell said.

"Less than a week ago he was in trouble with his manager for disrespecting the English flag and British national anthem, and now he has waded into controversy again. This time it isn't something he was provoked into doing. This was something of his own making.

"He may have been able to explain treating the national anthem with disdain by saying he had to walk out with his team and he was put in a position he couldn't avoid, but in this case there is no justification. He proactively sent a tweet and embroiled himself in politics yet again."